Seven Remarkable Individuals Honoured at the Seventh Abu Dhabi Awards Ceremony

In a celebration held at Emirates Palace this evening, seven extraordinary individuals were recognised for their generous and worthwhile deeds at the seventh Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony.

Held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi presented the Awards and congratulated each recipient.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi to the Abu Dhabi Awards, highlighted the support of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and expressed gratitude that the program continues to preserve the legacy of the nation’s father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The Abu Dhabi Awards is designed to celebrate compassionate individuals who have selflessly given their time to build and support the community of Abu Dhabi.

During the Awards Ceremony, recipients and their families were joined by members of the Royal Family, Ministers, VIPs and Government officials to honour the outstanding contributions they have made to society through their work. Video biographies were shown during the ceremony, showcasing the recipients’ good deeds and achievements within the community.

The seven recipients were recognized for a wide range of achievements including philanthropy, health, and preserving the culture and history of Abu Dhabi. They are:

Dr. Falih Handhal, from the Republic of Iraq,is a historian, author and co-writer of more than 35 books on the history and culture of the UAE as well as the region. He came to Abu Dhabi more than 40 years ago, and in 1977 began working in the oil and gas industry where he developed a unique interest in capturing the UAE’s local dialects and poetry. His hobby became a passion and led to one of the UAE’s most important historical works, ‘A Dictionary for the Arabic Dialect and Spoken Words of the UAE,’ which preserved the linguistic riches of Bedouin oral culture. Even as the traditional ways of life and reliance on the spoken word continue to change, the vibrant expressions and poems of the past have a way to live on through his invaluable research.

Dominik Vugrinec, from the Republic of Croatia, is a 14-year old student at Al Raha International School who developed and led a public service campaign that screened students for scoliosis, a spinal curvature that typically arises during adolescence and can cause severe deformities if left unchecked. Motivated by his own positive diagnosis in 2012, Dominik’s initial efforts revealed 14 students from his school who showed the early signs of this spinal curvature. By drawing attention to the importance of early diagnosis, Dominik’s screening campaign was soon adopted by other schools, and now hundreds of other children have been screened—a meaningful example of a simple idea being carried forward by one brave individual.

The late Mouza bint Mroshed Al Subousi, fromthe United Arab Emirates, was a beloved member of her community, and a respected healer who used traditional herbal remedies to soothe and cure hundreds who came to her for relief, free of charge. A true pioneer, Moza was an Emirati women who lived through the end of the pre-oil era and independently provided for her family after the death of her husband. She earned the respect of her entire community, serving as a role model for women of her generation and those to come in Emirati society. Her son, Khadem Al Romaithi received the award on her behalf.

Peter Hellyer,a UAE National originally from the UK, is the author of many books on the fragile ecology and rich archaeological legacy of the UAE, and has lived in the UAE for 40 years as a journalist, a historian as well as an advisor to the petroleum industry. A passionate amateur archaeologist, Peter co-founded and led the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeology Survey (ADIAS), which has since uncovered some of the most significant historical sites in the region, revealing the UAE’s forgotten past. He was intimately involved in the excavation of the 1400-year old monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, which received global recognition for its historical importance. A self-taught jack-of-all-trades, Peter’s devotion to this land and its people is expressed through his commitment to protecting the country’s fragile ecosystems and history in a time of rapid development.

Jumaa Manea Al Ghuwais,from the United Arab Emirates, is one of the UAE’s most well-known poets, beloved by the nation for his exceptional poems that warmly capture the nation’s patriotism. Recited by all people - young and old alike - as part of the UAE’s National Day celebrations, ‘This is our Country,’ and ‘Zayed’s Home’ reflect the national pride of this country’s people. His poems, which have had a significant impact on Emirati culture, commemorate the values and vision held by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, and honour his spirit of the union.

Roger Upton, from the United Kingdom, is an author and passionate falconer who has pursued the sport for more than 50 years, both in the UK and the Arabian Peninsula, where he hunted with his friend, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Roger’s travels across the Middle East in search of the best trappers, hunters and artisans in the field led to his book, ‘Arab Falconry: History of a Way of Life’. As Bedouin traditions continue to fade, Roger’s book preserves an essential Bedouin custom that is not only a craft or a sport but a way of life that bridges cultural divides between Arab and Western falconers. Mark Upton received the Award on behalf of his father.

His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Al Masaood, from the United Arab Emirates, is recognised for his tireless charitable efforts in the Emirates, and for his long-standing service to the government of the UAE in the field of foreign service. He has been a committed advisor to the UAE government in his position as Chairman of the National Consultative Council, an important bridge between the public and the country’s leadership, and has deepened valued relationships with other countries through his support of cultural, social and business initiatives, both abroad and at home in the UAE. His Excellency’s own charitable activities have particularly benefited the country in hard times, as well as, its children with countless initiatives devoted to education. He is the Chairman of Abdulla Al-Masaood and Sons, one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected family businesses. Masaood Ahmed Al Masaood received the Award on behalf of his uncle.

Before the start of the official ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan also met the five winning students of the 2013 Musahamati competition.

Abu Dhabi Awards ran the Musahamti initiative for the first time in 2013. It is designed to engage the youth throughout the emirate to develop their own enduring vision of goodness in the community by providing an innovative and sustainable idea that addresses an issue or opportunity to create a positive change in a community.

For further information please visit www.abudhabiawards.ae.